30 Aug 2019

Free lunches in New Zealand schools

From Afternoons, 1:14 pm on 30 August 2019

Yesterday the Government announced a free daily lunch trial from the beginning of next year. The scheme will be piloted at 30 schools around the Bay of Plenty and Gisborne. It will be extended to 21,000 children the year after. 

The idea of free lunches has been touted as a solution to end hunger for Kiwi kids for a while.

Clarissa Mackay, founder of advocacy group Eat Right Be Bright, called for an initiative like this on our show last year. She's back with us now to discuss the plan. 

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, at Kaitao Intermediate School in Rotorua, announces free lunches for schools.

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, at Kaitao Intermediate School in Rotorua, announces free lunches for schools. Photo: RNZ / Cole Eastham-Farrelly